In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Picks to Buy!
Hunting is more than a hobby that takes years of practicing shooting, understanding animal behavior, and studying various terrains. Hunters depend on various hi-tech gadgets, including binoculars, hunting watches, etc.
Forest can be misleading, especially if the terrain is new to you. Thus, it is easy to get lost while you are chasing a game. Here comes the best hunting watch handy. A rugged, durable timepiece provided with advanced features lets you track air pressure, temperature, weather and even make a map of your shots.
These devices can sync with your smartphone, and you can read text messages and alerts on your watch. There are a wide variety of models available, each with impressive features that makes selecting the Best Hunting Watch difficult. Below is the buying guide that will help you know the important feature that you should consider while choosing.
Comparison Chart For Top 10 Watches For Hunting 2022
| Product Name | Weight (oz) | |
|---|---|---|
| Suunto Traverse | 2.82 | View on Amazon |
| Garmin Instinct | 1.76 | View on Amazon |
| Garmin Tactix Delta | 3.53 | View on Amazon |
| Garmin Fenix 3 HR | 3.20 | View on Amazon |
| G-Shock Rangeman | 8 | View on Amazon |
| Casio Pro Trek PRG-270-1 | 11.2 | View on Amazon |
| Casio PRW-3500T-7CR | 11.3 | View on Amazon |
| Suunto Core | 2.26 | View on Amazon |
| Casio G-Shock | 4.6 | View on Amazon |
| Luminox EVO | 2.08 | View on Amazon |
Which are the 10 Best Hunting Watches In 2023?
1. Suunto Traverse Alpha
| Traverse Alpha Watch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Material | Stainless steel bezel, Mineral crystal glass, Composite Case, silicone strap |
| Weight | 2.82 oz |
| Battery Life | 10h GPS/14 days Time Mode |
| Built-in Functions | GPS, compass, altimeter, barometer |
| Supported Satellite Systems | GPS, GLONASS and POI navigation |
The Traverse Alpha is the most oriented watch for hunting. This watch features jaw-dropping functions at an affordable price. There is an automatic shot detection technology that keeps track of when and where you shoot, mapping the GPS coordinate of your location for later viewing. When it comes to building quality, it boasts a stainless steel bezel, a durable silicone strap, and scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass.
The watch is IOS and Android compatible and can be synced with the Suunto Movescount App. Also, it comes with a location-based moon phase calendar that can determine the best fishing and hunting times based on moonrise and set times. With a battery backup of 14 days in time mode and 10/15/100 hours in three GPS modes.
It is military standard and handcrafted in Finland for a sleek design. With weather trend alert, sunrise alert, and red backlight for nighttime use. Also, it is water-resistant to 100m and employs a premium level sapphire crystal and SS bezel.
Reasons To Buy
- Durable and resistant.
- Easy to use.
- Elegant design.
- Long battery backup.
- Perfect gear for hunting and fishing.
Reasons To Avoid
- Slow to acquire GPS signal.
What’s the bottom line?
This Suunto classically designed timepiece is full of amazing features. It is equipped with GPS, shot detection, and backtrack technology. Also, it helps to determine the best time to hunt with moon phase indication.
2. Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch
| Garmin Instinct Watch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 45mm |
| Material | Fiber-reinforced Polymer Case, Scratch-resistant Display, Silicone Band |
| Weight | 1.76 oz |
| Battery Life | 16h GPS/14 days Time Mode |
| Built-in Functions | GPS, altimeter, barometer, compass, Heart Rate monitor |
| Supported Satellite Systems | GPS, GLONASS and Galileo |
It is a durable watch built to resist any harsh conditions. It is designed to the U.S. military standard 810 G for shock, water, and thermal resistance. This device is compatible with multiple positioning systems like GPS, Galileo, and Glonass. Also, you can check your route and actual position using the app or Garmin’s official website. All in all, it is perfect for those who love going into nature without a fixed route.
Furthermore, it has a three-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and GPS plus GLONASS and Galileo that help you track your movements in challenging environments. It features TracBack technology that allows users to return to their starting point or use Garmin Explore app or website to plan routes in advance. Best of all, it monitors pulse rate and comes with various training profiles. Also, it gives you information in real-time about your current physical condition.
With all these amazing features, it has a powerful battery whose lifespan is up to two full weeks in smartwatch mode, 40 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode, and 16 hours in GPS.
Reasons To Buy
- Rugged construction.
- Easy to use and ergonomic.
- Shock and Water-resistant.
- Best GPS watch.
- Pre-programmed activity profiles.
- Monitors activity, stress, and pulse rate.
- TracBack feature to navigate the same route back.
Reasons To Avoid
- The battery may lose its charge so quickly.
What’s the bottom line?
This Garmin Instinct is an amazing hunting watch under $200. It is strictly maintained 810G of the U.S. military standard for boosting thermal, water, and shock resistance. Besides, one full charge will last up to 14 days with active GPS.
3. Garmin tactix Delta
| Tactix Charlie Watch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.4 inches |
| Material | Diamond-like Carbon (DLC), Coated SS, Silicone Strap |
| Weight | 3.53 oz |
| Battery Life | 21 days (smartwatch mode), 60 hours (GPS) |
| Built-in Functions | Altimeter, Compass, Barometer and Gyroscope |
| Supported Satellite Systems | GPS, GLONASS |
This Tactix Delta is similar to the Fenix 6 model, but it comes without solar enhanced powering. It can hold a decent charge for up to 21 days in a smartwatch and 60 hrs in GPS mode. With routable map navigation, hunters can track your movement and can assure to find your way back to point A.
Furthermore, the Tactix can gauge ascending and descending metrics along with a digital compass. Since the watch serves tactical purposes, you will find dual-format GPS coordinates that help pinpoint specific locations. Its rugged design includes a black diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated titanium bezel, black titanium rear cover, and steel buttons. Moreover, you can customize your Tactix Charlie with free downloads from the Garmin Connect IQ store. For more interesting looks, you can change your watch face, add data fields and widgets for information at a glance.
It comes with a wrist-based heart rate monitor that is a great add-on. This technology counts steps and burnt calories and calculates a stress score to offer you an insight you go through. When it comes to comfort, it is designed to be as comfortable as possible. Even the default wristband on this watch is easily adjustable.
Reasons To Buy
- Great GPS accuracy.
- Excellent battery backup.
- US TOPO map included.
- Wrist-based heart rate monitor.
Reasons To Avoid
- Non-standard charging port.
What’s the bottom line?
This watch offers a great combination of user-friendliness, reliability, and functionality in a single, great package. Whether you are a hunter, or in the military, or just interested in tactical functionality, the Tactix Charlie is one of the best smartwatches.
4. Garmin Fenix 3 HR
| Garmin Fenix 3 HR Watch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.2 inches |
| Material | Chroma Display, Silicone Strap, Crystal Lens |
| Weight | 3.20 oz |
| Battery Life | 16h GPS/2 weeks Smartwatch Mode |
| Built-in Functions | Compass, Barometer, Altimeter, TracBack and Heart Rate |
| Supported Satellite Systems | GPS, GLONASS |
Garmin Fenix 3 HR is a top-rated GPS hunting watch. It is durable and tough with a protective PVD stainless steel bezel and buttons. Also, it has a silicone band for comfort and resistance to discoloration and reinforced housing to ensure long-lasting performance. Further, it is designed to be visible in any lighting with a Chroma screen with LED backlighting. This provides crisp viewing at any time of day or night.
It comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode. Also, it is water-resistant for up to 100 meters, which makes it suitable for heavy rain. Apart from this, its Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology includes advanced running dynamics with vertical oscillation and vertical ratio.
Also, it uses an Omni-directional steel EXO antenna that integrates with GPS/Galileo/GLONASS satellite reception. It keeps track in challenging environments that can be wirelessly connected via hotspot to sync your data automatically.
Reasons To Buy
- Battery saver mode.
- Water-resistant.
- Fitness technology.
- Wireless connectivity.
- Sunlight readable display.
Reasons To Avoid
- Some problems with the altimeter.
What’s the bottom line?
It is a great choice for those looking for GPS technology. It can connect wirelessly to the hotspot to sync the data and offers a durable and comfortable finish.
5. Casio Tactical Rangeman G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch
| Casio Tactical Rangeman Watch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.25 inches |
| Material | Reinforce case and buttons, Plastic skin and Black Resin band |
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Battery Life | 33h |
| Built-in Functions | Compass, Barometer, and Altimeter |
| Supported Satellite Systems | NA |
This Rangeman GW9400-1B is an iconic model from Casio that can withstand 200m of water pressure, vibrational shocks, gravitational shocks, and temperature shocks. Further, it is mud resistant, which means when you lie on the ground and wait for the right moment to shoot in the muddiest conditions, and it won’t do much harm to watch.
It also features an altimeter, barometer and compass for enhanced information about the movements in the field. Apart from this, it is powered by various amazing features. The Rangeman is accurate to atomic precision and charges itself through all light sources. In integration with outdoor functions, these two aspects make the G-Shock one of the best solar atomic watches.
It has a metal cover to protect the skin from high impacts. Also, its sensor mode has a distinct sound that makes handling in low light easier. Like other hunting watches, it has a database with the Sunrise/Sunset times of various places.
Reasons To Buy
- Modern design with rugged construction.
- Easy to use and accurate.
- Resistant to high impacts.
- Triple sensor.
Reasons To Avoid
- The battery may discharge so quickly.
What’s the bottom line?
This G-Shock watch can withstand high impacts and features a triple sensor that is incredibly accurate. Overall, it has nothing to envy the best casual gps watches.
6. Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Watch
| Casio Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Watch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 52mm |
| Material | Resin Strap & Bezel, Stainless Steel Back Case, Mineral Crystal Lens |
| Weight | 11.2 oz |
| Battery Life | 9 Months on full charge |
| Built-in Functions | Chronograph, Compass, Barometer, and Altimeter |
| Water Resistant | 100m |
This ProTrek hunting watch is designed for prolonged outdoor use and provides various features. It uses Casio’s popular V3 Triple Sensor technology. Also, its tough solar technology provides power to watch in even low light conditions. Further, the compass can be calibrated easily that allows you to correct any error, and has proven to be accurate.
It features a full auto LED Backlight that will illuminate the digital display for easy viewing in low light or at night. After enabling its auto illumination feature, it will automatically activate the backlight whenever you turn your wrist to view the display. It has large side buttons and one-press access to a digital compass, barometric pressure, and altitude for easy access.
Reasons To Buy
- Easy to read display.
- Solar charging.
- Full Automatic LED backlight.
- Accurate readings.
Reasons To Avoid
- Lacks multi-band radio calibration system.
What’s the bottom line?
It Pro Trek PRG-270-1 is one of the outstanding outdoor watches that delivers higher reading accuracy and improved energy efficiency. It includes amazing features such as Tough Solar, 100-meter water resistance, multi-alarm and more.
7. Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW-3500T-7CR Tough Solar Triple Sensor Digital Sport Watch
| Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW-3500T-7CR Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Band Width | 26 mm |
| Material | Resin Strap & Bezel, Stainless Steel Back Case, Mineral Crystal Lens |
| Weight | 5.92 oz |
| Display Rang | 10 to 60 C |
| Built-in Functions | Compass, Barometer, Thermometer and Altimeter |
| Water Resistant | 660 ft |
If you are an avid outdoor enthusiast, then this watch is a perfect option for you. Starting from looks, it has a complex look with three buttons on the right side for a three-sensor, including compass, barometer, and altimeter. Apart from this, there are four more buttons for different adjustments. It has a fully digital screen that has two different layers for exposing multiple functions simultaneously.
Furthermore, it features a high resistance case to all sorts of shocks and scratches made from quality resin. Its strap is also made of the same resin plastic with a secure one-pin securing mechanism. When it comes to battery backup, it features a full self-charge from the sun and can last for six months of continuous working without other light exposure. Apart from all aspects, it boasts all basic features like alarm, countdown timer, and other stuff.
Reasons To Buy
- Good build design with famous triple sensor.
- Best value for money.
- Solar-powered to make it environmental friendly.
- Power saving feature to preserve battery.
- Easy to operate buttons.
- Easy recalibration.
- Accurate compass.
Reasons To Avoid
- Countdown timer settable only by minutes.
What’s the bottom line?
This Casio PRW-3500T-7CR is a well-liked and well-equipped outdoor watch. It is easy to use, has a labeled button, and a reasonable price. Best of all, it is completely solar-powered and can run for up to six months.
8. Suunto Core Outdoor Sports Watch
| Suunto Core Watch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 49.1 mm |
| Weather Functions | Sunrise, Sunset, Storm Alarm, Temperature, Move Altitude Graph |
| Weight | 2.26 oz |
| Battery Life | 12h |
| Built-in Functions | Compass, Alti/Baro |
| Water Resistant | 30m |
This classic outdoor sports watch is packed with various intelligent features like Barometer, Altimeter, Alarm, and compass. It is a versatile and durable watch suitable for running, swimming, cycling, hunting, hiking, and other outdoor sports. It has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use.
The Suunto Core gives more accurate readings and shows elevation in three-foot intervals. It has dual times, a date display, and predicts sunset/sunset timings that helps to maximize daylight hours. Besides, the build quality is also up to par. With a combination of Scandinavian design and ultra-durable materials, this watch tracks sports, daily activity, and sleep to keep life, training, and recovery balance.
Reasons To Buy
- Easy to use interface.
- Accurate altimeter/barometer function.
- Good battery backup.
- Compass Accuracy to 5 degrees.
Reasons To Avoid
- No GPS.
What’s the bottom line?
This Suunto Core features a more accurate altimeter, barometer, and easier to use interface with a nicely labeled menu. Overall it is a solid, rugged watch but without GPS.
9. Casio Men’s ‘G-Shock’ Quartz Resin Sport Watch
| G-Shock DW9052-1V Watch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 48.5 mm |
| Material | Resin case with mineral dial window |
| Weight | 4.6 oz |
| Battery Life | 2 years |
| Built-in Functions | Alarm, 1/100-second stopwatch, hourly time signal, auto calendar |
| Water Resistant | 200 m |
This Casio DW9052 is another popular G-Shock that is powered with all the basic features of a tough, shock-resistant watch. It comes with a basic design with a regular resin strap that closes using one pin. Its display is split into two different parts with little indicator. On the top, you can see the day of the week along with the date, and below, the time is shown with hours, minutes, and seconds.
Furthermore, you can wear this watch in all sorts of situations as it is 20 bar water resistance. Not only this, it is shock-resistant that protects against all sorts of impact and vibration. It also includes an alarm function, backlight, day & date display. Further, its case size is 48mm x 14mm, which is a large size. Also, it features a mineral crystal window lens that makes its display easy to read.
Reasons To Buy
- Japanese quartz movement.
- 200m water resistance.
- The backlight feature makes reading in the dark easier.
- Durable design.
Reasons To Avoid
- Due to the larger design, this may not be suitable for those with smaller wrists.
What’s the bottom line?
The G-Shock DW9052 is a durable, tough, and affordable option. It is suitable for those more active people who need a watch that can withstand a lot more than a standard watch.
10. Luminox Men’s 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark Watch
| Luminox EVO Navy Watch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 44 mm |
| Material | Polyurethane case with mineral dial window |
| Weight | 2.08 oz |
| Battery Life | 4 years |
| Built-in Functions | – |
| Water Resistant | 200 m |
This Luminox Evo timepiece is another basic hunting watch. It doesn’t possess GPS tracking or ABC function, still a preferred companion in the woods. The main reason is the amazing luminosity that constantly grows for up to 25 years. It has self-powered lume in the hour markers and watch hands use no battery power and also does not require any light for the glow.
Another reason for its popularity is durability. It can withstand harsh conditions both on the land and in the water. You can wear this Swiss-made watch for other occasions too, besides hunting. Its 44mm case diameter with a classic analog and universal black appeal is perfect.
Reasons To Buy
- Solid, sturdy build & protective case
- Accurate quartz movement
- Easy to read face
- Glowing markers are bright
Reasons To Avoid
- Glowing markers will lose power in time.
What’s the bottom line?
It is a great hunting watch as it is easy to see even in no light conditions and features solid build quality. Overall, it is a great pick that features a Japanese quartz movement and is resistant to deep underwater conditions.
How To Choose The Best Watch For Hunting?
Hunting is exciting and thrilling, but you need the best gear to make the most out of it. You need to buy a reliable watch before you set out for the game. Here are some features that you need to consider when searching for the best option.
Compass/GPS
You can easily get lost when hunting in the woods. For that, you need at least a compass or GPS tracker to know your location and return to a safe place. Now modern hunting watches can show you your current location on the map. So in this way, it will be easier for you to understand the map.
These hunting watches have built-in memories to store your recent hunting routes. Therefore you won’t have to memorize each hunting route where you had success. Furthermore, you can access these routes from your smartphone or laptop.
Apart from this, its GPS technology offers several other extras, such as marking down places of interest for shots and trails for future references.
ABC: Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer
The majority of watches come with a digital compass, barometer, altimeter and thermometer. Its altimeter and barometer functions let you know the heights you are situated and are suitable in mountainous areas where the elevation changes rapidly.
An altimeter is a perfect tool to help you orient yourself on a topographical map and if you need to traverse a hillside/mountainside.
A barometer measures the pressure of the air around you and can give an update when weather conditions may change. It is a great function when you start your day to help you decide whether to bring gear or not.
LED light
Hunting trips can take place in pitch-black conditions. So look for a watch with a LED light or luminosity is of great help in recognizing the exact time, location, or other valuable information.
Build Quality
Weather conditions change drastically, and the terrain involves mud, water, and rocks. A genuine hunting watch must be reliable enough to withstand these conditions. They have decent water resistance, durable construction, and durable straps.
Sensors
It is important to know weather updates while you are hunting. Sometimes bad weather can affect your visibility. In such situations, you have a higher chance of missing your shots. So consider an outdoor watch with weather sensors.
Modern hunting watches can also detect temperature, humidity, pressure, and altitude. Some models can emit sound alerts when there are chances of rain.
Sunrise/Sunset Times
In many states, disallow hunters from hunting before sunrise or after sunset. Thus it’s important to know the exact time of sun-up/sun-down. Some watches have sunset/sunset timings for various locations that can be a great feature for hunting.
Weather Resistant
Many hunting watches are water-resistant or waterproof and can be fully submerged in water. The basic models can be submerged from 10 to 50 meters, and high-end watches can be capable of submersion from 50 to 200 meters or more.
Battery Backup
It is one of the important features if you mostly get on multi-day trips. Using hunting watches with GPS and sensors consumes more battery. Choose a device with different battery-saving modes. These battery-saving modes deactivate some functions when not required. Solar-powered devices don’t need much maintenance as you don’t need to replace batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you use hunting watch as a timepiece?
Yes, after deactivating the GPS and sensors to let your hunting watch working as a timepiece.
2. How Can You Improve The Accuracy of WHR readings?
Make sure the hunting watch is snug and located one finger above the wrist bone.
3. What are the hunting watch maintenance tips?
Hunting watches need periodical maintenance to keep in optimal conditions.
- Use a soft cloth dampened in alcohol to remove all the dust on the outdoor watch display
- Replace the battery every year
- Remove the battery in case you are going to store your watch for a long time
